Federal government to give Hawaii over $14 million for its insurance exchange development

Hawaii will be receiving, $14,440,144 from the federal government in order to assist with the development and implementation of the Hawaii Health Connector, which is the state’s online insurance exchange.

The exchange is meant to provide consumers with the ability to find healthcare plans that they can afford. The announcement of the upcoming funding was made by Senator Daniel K. Akaka, Senator Daniel K. Inouye, Representative Colleen Hanabusa, and Representative Mazie K. Hirono.

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services will be providing the funding to the state through a grant. Thirteen states will be receiving a portion of the money set aside by the federal government for these programs

Senator Inouye said that one of the most important roles played by the government is to make sure that citizens’ health and welfare is provided. He explained that the funds that have been given to the state by the government will assist the residents of Hawaii to be able to “browse a wide variety of affordable health care plans so they may select the plan that best fits their health needs and budget.”

He went on to add that he is thrilled with the continuing efforts being made by the Obama administration to consider the healthcare needs of everyone in the country a top priority. He believes that the funds to be received by the state will be a vital step for making certain that everyone in Hawaii will be able to obtain affordable, quality healthcare coverage.